Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department's blog about the environment and how it affects us.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Swimming Advisory at Burfoot Park Beach

This advisory has been removed.

Thurston County health officials posted swimming advisory signs at the beach at Burfoot Park as a
precaution. Recent testing showed elevated levels of bacteria in the water.

The beach is not closed, but health officials are recommending that people and
pets stay out of the water.

“We want park visitors to be
aware of the situation and use their best judgment about whether they go in the
water or stay dry,” said Art Starry, Director of the county’s Environmental
Health Division. “The health risk at Burfoot Beach is relatively low for most
people, but there is a slightly higher risk of illness for young children and
people with compromised immune systems, so we're reaching out to make sure
people can make informed decisions.”

Health officials also recommend
that nearby beachfront property owners avoid contact with the water until tests
show that bacteria levels have dropped.

All other facilities and areas at
Burfoot Park are unaffected and are open to the public, including the trails,
picnic areas and playground.

For more information on
protecting yourself, your family and your pets from common swimming and
water-borne illnesses, visit Thurston County Environmental Health's website on Swimming Illnesses & Hazards.

For more information about
wastewater treatment and how the Washington State Department of Ecology protects
and monitors Washington’s waterways, clickhere.